Sleeve Appeal: Joost Swarte Q&A

Lecture about album covers, with the participation of Joost Swarte.

The album cover is more than just packaging; it is a work of art in itself, a visual interpretation of the music, and it enhances the experience of listening to an album.

Iconic covers are permanently engraved in our memories: Pink Floyd covers by Hipgnosis, Unknown Pleasures by Peter Saville, Raymond Pettibon's punk and DIY style, and the bold typography used by The Designer's Republic for covers of Autechre and Aphex Twin. It's time to celebrate the art of the album cover.

Sleeve Appeal encourages us to consider the power of graphic design and the enduring impact of album covers on music culture and visual art.

We invited graphic designer, cartoonist, and local legend Joost Swarte to select his favorite record sleeves. Swarte is known for his numerous drawings, posters, LP and CD covers, as well as his magazine covers and illustrations for Vrij Nederland, The New Yorker, and HUMO.

Swarte is celebrated for his crisp, elegant lines and jazzy designs, which radiate cool sophistication and irony. During his lecture, he will share his love for sleeve design in a conversation with designer and sociologist Theo Ploeg.

Theo Ploeg (NL) is a sociologist, designer, and researcher. He writes for the Flemish cultural magazine Gonzo (circus) and publishes STASIS, a newsletter about pop culture. He teaches at the Maastricht Academy of Fine Arts.

Paula Tabárez (UY) is an audiovisual artist and graphic designer. She is one of the founders of Litu, an organization that visualizes current social developments in art projects. She has a great passion for all forms of animation and music.

This lecture by Joost Swarte at Jopenkerk is freely accessible, no ticket required. Wristband holders can get a 10% discount on drinks and lunch specials at Jopenkerk during the Haarlem Vinyl Festival weekend.